Main navigation

Types of Foster Care

Fostering for Space

When our Adoptions Center gets full, we rely on community volunteers (no training required) to foster adult dogs and/or cats in their home for a couple of weeks to help make room for more animals moving out. The public can come from 11 am to 6:30 pm on weekdays and 10 am to 3:30 pm on weekends to choose an adult dog or cat from our adoptions center. Call 356-2218 for more information and sign up for our Foster for Space mailing list to be notified when we are Fostering for Space.

Fostering Animals Before AdoptionThis past year we placed more than 2,000 shelter animals in foster homes. You can care for shelter animals who are too young, underweight, ill/injured, or who require more socialization before adoption. All basic supplies and medical care are provided. Click here to view the next orientation dates you can sign up for.

Emergency Fostering of People’s PetsTemporary, short-term fostering services may be available to those temporarily hospitalized, the disabled and victims of domestic violence. Complete the Emergency Foster Care application. You will receive a phone call within 48 hours if you are eligible and if a volunteer is available. Services are offered upon availability of community volunteers.

Pets of Patriots FosteringThe national non-profit Dogs on Deployment provides a database of volunteers willing to provide foster care for service members. Visit dogsondeployment.org to learn more.

Hawaiian Humane Society’s Pets of Patriots program also provides foster care assistance for active duty military personnel deploying to serve our country if community volunteers are available. Six to eight week advance notice for foster care requests are recommended.
Fill out our Military Personnel Form to apply for the program.

We are actively recruiting volunteers who can open their homes to an animal for six months up to a year. We encourage military families new to the island to volunteer as foster care providers for Pets of Patriots. Click here to view the next orientation dates you can sign up for.